Temperate+Grasslands

This biome looks exactly as its name suggests: lots of grass. Temperate grasslands are characterized by the vast amount of open land with little trees and rainfall. Temperate grasslands and savannas are quite similar; however, on average, temperate grasslands receive less precipitation and temperatures vary (hot summers and cold winters). To make up for this, they have dark, rich soil from the decay of grass roots underneath the soil; however, this does not only benefit the biome, but also humans, which will be discussed later. Although trees and flowers are not favored in this biome due to drought and fires, some still manage to flourish near river valleys. Unsurprisingly, there are numerous temperate grasslands located around the world such as the Great Plains of the Midwest in North America and the Veldts in South Africa.

Flora In a temperate grassland, grasses are the dominant vegetation because seasonal drought, occasional fires, and harsh temperatures make it difficult for trees, shrubs, and most angiosperms to grow. Grasses, on the other hand, can endure the drastic conditions of the temperate grassland as they are low and small enough to avoid potential wildfires. Their roots and short stems also anchor the soil, preventing erosion.

Grasses (can be found tall or short):
 * Purple needlegrass
 * Blue Grama
 * Buffalo grass
 * Galleta

Trees:
 * Cottonwoods
 * Common yew
 * Oaks Willows
 * check the pic below, I don't think it's a grassland species, also, you shouldn't give the impression that there are many trees in a grassland, and, although you show a bear, we generally think of black bears as being a forest/mountain species, what kind of bear is the pic showing?

Flowers:
 * Asters
 * Blazing Stars
 * Coneflowers
 * Dandelions
 * Goldenrods
 * Sunflowers
 * Clovers
 * Psoraleas
 * Wild indigos

Fauna The temperate grasslands consist of animals that have adapted to the dry terrain in which there are only 10 to 30 inches of rainfalls annually. Short grasses that are measured just a few inches in height characterize this biome. Also, wildlife’s survival heavily depends on these grasses.

In the grasslands, there are predators, grazers, and small mammals. Predators consist of “the big cats” such as the cheetahs, pumas, and lions as they hunt for prey. Other animals that fall under the category of predators are wolves, coyotes, and foxes. Their prey includes the grazers such as pronghorn, bison, zebra, and deer. The main role of these predators in the grassland is to keep the grazers’ populations in check. Unfortunately, the buffalos are becoming closer to extinction because of human impact. The remainder consists of small mammals: mice, jack rabbits, skunks, weasels, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, gophers, and a few species of snakes. These animals often feed upon grasses or insects.





Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Temperate grasslands have hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can be well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can be as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They typically have between 10 and 35 inches of precipitation a year, much of it occurring in the late spring and early summer.





Human Impacts and Interactions

Before the Europeans arrived in North America, human activity was at a minimal, thus most of the land was still preserved. However, once the Europeans came and conquered the land, they began clearing the forests and diminishing the wildlife in hopes of a more advanced economy with agricultural success and urbanization growth. By the mid-twentieth century, people had already ruined about four-fifths of wildlife, cut more than half of its timber, and taken over its grassland. Soil erosion was extremely evident as agricultural products were employed carelessly which worsened the environmental crops.

The human impact for temperate grasslands mainly deal with hunting bison, antelopes, and other mammals for usage of their furs and meats. Humans saw the animals as resources for food, clothes, protection, and future advancements as the animals were gradually cleared for agricultural purposes such as growing crops and taking care of livestock. Because of a practice called wheat farming, bison, buffalo, and the Geoffroy’s Cat are near extinction.

Temperate grasslands are areas where the land has fertile soil—the sole reason why farmers and agriculturists treasure so much. However, human impact means more fragmentation and deterioration of the biome, which is seen in the temperate grasslands in Argentina. Furthermore, there are still some dangers within grasslands as they are prone to periodic drought. When this happens, the soil becomes more exposed and has a higher chance of ruining the topsoil. Through this, minerals and nutrients from the area can be lost.

These areas are lessening more and more, but there is a way to preserve them; people should realize that grasslands are far more than usage for agricultural needs; they are a beauty that everyone should have a chance of enjoying.

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